UKHospitality Chief Executive has just responded to new figures from the ONS that show the economy grew by 0.1% in November.
Kate Nicholls stated, “Today’s GDP figures once again underline the importance of hospitality in driving economic growth and recovery.
“The World Cup provided a significant boost in November, with pubs and bars reporting sales up 30-40% on matchdays. This once again shows the power of big sporting events, even in the winter, and the important role our venues play in bringing communities together.
“However, the figures also highlight the impact strike action had on the sector and the cost of lost sales is likely to be set out more starkly in next month’s figures.
“While hospitality has yet to recover to pre-Covid levels, in real terms, today’s figures demonstrate the role the sector can play in boosting the economy.
'While times are challenging right now, with the right support and investment the sector can both survive and thrive; delivering long-term economic growth, creating jobs and continuing its tradition of investing in our communities,” Kate concluded.